During
his official visit to Cherbourg today, Brazilian Minister of Defence
Celso Amorim was able to assess the progress of the submarine programme
contracted to DCNS at the end of 2008. After being welcomed by DCNS
chairman and CEO Patrick Boissier, Mr Amorim visited the workshops where
part of the work is being done on this strategic programme, the largest
international contract ever signed by DCNS.

“DCNS is undertaking an ambitious technology transfer programme
which is enabling Brazil to acquire skills and master strategic technologies
for its defence industry”, declared Patrick Boissier, DCNS chairman
and CEO. “Through this visit, which is an illustration of the
strategic partnership agreement signed between Brazil and France, we
are reaffirming our long-term commitment to the completion of this programme.
We are pleased with its progress, which confirms the capacity of DCNS
to conduct large-scale technology transfers. The confidence of the Brazilian
Navy also confirms the technological value of DCNS and the export competitiveness
of the Group.”

DCNS' Scorpene
SSK sketch

At the end of 2008,
DCNS was awarded the contract for the design and production under technology
transfer of four Scorpène-class submarines, assistance for the
design and production of the non-nuclear part of the first Brazilian nuclear-powered
submarine, and support for the construction of a naval base and a shipyard
in Brazil. The technical assistance provided by DCNS for the nuclear-powered
submarine concerns the non-nuclear part of the vessel, the Brazilian Navy
retaining full responsibility for the nuclear steam supply system. The
programme as a whole is carried out through a far-reaching transfer of
technology and supervised by the Brazilian Navy,

In accordance with the
contract schedule, the first work kicked off in Cherbourg in May 2010,
on the day the first steel was cut for the forward part of the first of
the four submarines. This part is being built entirely in Cherbourg. It
will be delivered to the Brazilian yard in the fourth quarter 2012. Construction
of the aft part of the first submarine began in Brazil in July 2011.

The launch of construction in Brazil of the first submarine is one of
the most important milestones of the programme. It indicates that the
engineers, technicians and workers who have received training at DCNS
in France have acquired the knowledge necessary for latest-generation
submarine hull production and that Brazil possesses the necessary industrial
facilities. Meanwhile, earthworks and foundation work on the shipyard
and the naval base have already started.

The four Scorpène-class S-BR conventional submarines meet the particular
specifications of the Brazilian Navy: they are fully configured for the
needs of protection and defence of Brazil’s 8,500-kilometre coastline.
They are multi-purpose ocean-going submarines designed for all types of
mission, including combat against surface ships, antisubmarine warfare,
special operations and intelligence-gathering.